* Scyther [#123] ** Scyther is a green Pokémon built like a praying mantis; however, its head is more reptilian than any other Bug Pokémon, with three short horns on the back. At one and a half meters tall, it is approximately the size of a small human. One of its notable features is its pair of blades, which probably inspired this Pokémon's name. * Scizor [#212] ** Scizor, unlike its previous form, is now colored red, and the horns on the back of its head are now longer. Its two scythe-like blades are now replaced by two claws, which Hoenn researchers note resemble the heads of Trapinch.

!! Notable Biology

Scyther, as noted above, seems to be a cross between a reptile (what with its head and legs) and a giant praying mantis. Thus, Pokémon researchers had developed two theories for its origin: the reptilian theory and the insect theory. The first posits that Scyther was descended from a reptilian creature, and developed the wings and blades in order to hunt more effectively. The second theory, on the other hand, proposes that Scyther was a mantis that developed reptilian features in order to easily frighten foes. Research into the breeding habits of Scyther have revealed that the latter theory holds more credence. Females of both species have larger abdomens, to accommodate egg-laying.

Due to multiple differences in physiology (such as a metal-coated exoskeleton, as opposed to a purely chitinous one), Scizor was first thought of as a similar yet distinct species from Scyther, yet Johto researchers finally proved that these two were related. Scizor are only known to evolve from Scyther from prolonged exposure to high concentrations to a specific combination of radioactive metals; this may also explain the Pokémon's red color resulting from the reaction of its exoskeleton with the metal. That being said, such types of radioactive isotopes in the wild are rarely ever found, explaining the lack of wild Scizor. However, this exposure could be mimicked by having a Scyther wear a Metal Coat and trading. The coat contains the aforementioned radioactive isotopes which when exposed with enough radiation caused from trading ultimately triggers the mutation, transforming Scyther into Scizor. This exoskeleton provides Scizor with far more tenacity than a Scyther, yet it more than doubles its weight and increases its sensitivity to fire as the chemical compound that makes up the exoskeleton is also highly volatile. What is more baffling is after evolution Scizor is capable of replicating the radioactive metallic isotopes which coat its exoskeleton to replace the old coat. Although the metallic exoskeleton of a Scizor is much more durable, it is also much more vulnerable to fire due to the high volatility of the substance used to create it.

!! Habitat

Scyther typically prefer living in open grasslands in packs, yet are occasionally known to prefer living in forests. The species is quite rare, especially when compared to more common bugs such as the Caterpie and Wurmple lines.

Scizor are much rarer in the wild; there has been no sighting of a wild Scizor for decades. It is assumed, however, that the evolution of Scyther into Scizor is so slim that there have been no wild evolutions of Scyther in the past few years.

!! Diet

As befitting a top predator, Scyther is known to be capable of taking down Pokémon such as Stantler and Nidoran; however, it typically hunts for smaller Pokémon like Sentret and Pidgey.

Scizor's diet is far more unusual, as in order to keep up its metallic coat, it must consume a variable range of metallic substances and minerals, most importantly potassium and iron. Aside from that, it has been noted by several trainers that Scizor instinctively assault Magnemite or even Magneton for consumption aside from general prey such as Metapod and Kakuna. Although Scyther's ability to move at extremely fast speeds is useful in catching prey, Scizor's weight makes it incapable of being as fast; as such it is adapted to feeding on slow but rarely predated animals such as Metapod (whose shell makes it mostly inaccessible to many predators) and Kakuna. Occassionally it will feed on other Bug-type or mammalian-esque prey.

!! Hazards

Beginning trainers are strongly advised to stay away from Scyther and Scizor (if at all possible of being seen), as both possess very sharp blades and claws, that could make normally weak attacks like Aerial Ace dangerous. Even professional Rangers are advised to wear safety gear when handling these Pokémon. Both stages are capable of tearing acres of forests in rampages.

Trainers who seek to evolve their Scyther into Scizor are strongly advised to ask their Scyther beforehand, as some may refuse to evolve while others loathe the idea of being separated from their original trainers. Those Scyther who are unwilling to leave their original trainers may be convinced if it is clear that they will be immediately traded back upon evolving into Scizor, but Scyther who are unwillingly evolved into Scizor may [[WhatHaveIBecome react with enraged horror]] at their new forms, and [[UnstoppableRage go into a maddened frenzy]] and attack the parties they view as responsible for their conditions. Leaving the decision to evolve in the Scyther's hands, however, typically ensures that it will not hold a grudge against its trainer for making the offer. Indeed, some Scyther may [[JumpedAtTheCall eagerly accept]] the extra attacking power that comes from evolving into a Scizor.

!! Courting and Childrearing

Scyther typically mate in autumn. The male engages in a courtship dance with the female, in order to impress her. There have been isolated yet unproven reports of female Scyther eating their mates during mating, but the male generally survives. Afterwards, the female Scyther lays eggs, around a hundred, and attached to plants. The Scyther hatch in a pseudo-nymphal stage, with smaller wings, yet quickly reach adulthood.

The rarity of Scizor in the wild prevents any extensive research on the topic, but it is currently believed to be improbable that Scizor will mate with other Scyther as they are solitary. A theory suggests that Scyther would consider Scizor to be unnatural, and as such shun them from packs. Added to the fact that Scizor have a low fertility rate due to exposure to radiation, though reproduction is possible, it is highly unlikely if at all possible in the wild.

!! Social Structure

As stated earlier, Scyther typically live in packs of mostly females, whereas males typically bond together. Scizor are assumed to live solitarily, adding value to the theory that Scizor are considered unnatural by Scyther.